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Q. We are going to fly to Denver in April with our cat and I would like to know if Colorado requires a health certificate?

Answered ByDR. CHRISTIE LONG, D.V.M., C.V.A.

A. All animals that enter the state of Colorado (or any other state) have to have a valid health certificate signed by a veterinarian who is accredited by the USDA no more than 10 days prior to crossing the state line. The reason I used the word "should" and not "must" is that often airlines neglect to check for the paperwork when boarding the animal. However, the law is clear and thus yes, it is a requirement.

A. The law states, as Dr. Ladd indicated, that animals that travel across state lines (regardless of the method of transportation) should have a valid health certificate signed by a vet who is accredited by the USDA to perform such an exam no more than 10 days prior to travel. Colorado is no different from any other state with respect to this requirement.

A. Whenever you fly you are legally required by USDA to have a health certificate. Whether the airline checks in your originating city is debatable, but if caught without it, you will be turned around. If flying from out of the country you will need to check US animal import requirements with USDA. Within the states, just the health certificate

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